Thoughts on the Knowledge Base? Help us out!

[Jibbajaba]

In case some of you haven't ever seen the link on the main page, or the huge banner in CaptainJ and my sig, DP has a Technical Knowledge Base. Check it out:

http://www.digitpress.com/livefaq/index.php

I am looking for any opinions, suggestions, or comments that wil help to improve our KB.

Do you visit the KB? How often? Do you usually find the answer that you are looking for? If not, do you submit the question? What else would you like to see?

Feel free to ask questions in this thread that you would like to see answered in the KB as well.

Help us make the KB a more helpful resource on DP!

Chris

[Jibbajaba]

Anyone at all?

<Crickets chirping>

Chris

[MrRoboto19XX]

I really dont visit the KB that often, mainly because I havnt really had any trouble with my systems. Its well organized and easy to read, which is nice.

The only thing I can think of is maybe having some sort of section for the "Essentials" for each system. What I mean is the hook ups you need, and/or what you need to have the complete version of the system.

For example, take the 32X. You could have a picture of the correct AC adaptor and the wire it needs to connect to the genesis. also you could mention the spacer that came with it initially.

This could be really useful on older consoles that use old types of connectors or tv switch boxes.

Just an idea, I may have the whole concept of the KB totally misinterpreted, heh.

Kepp up the good work.

[Jibbajaba]

I really dont visit the KB that often, mainly because I havnt really had any trouble with my systems. Its well organized and easy to read, which is nice.

The only thing I can think of is maybe having some sort of section for the "Essentials" for each system. What I mean is the hook ups you need, and/or what you need to have the complete version of the system.

For example, take the 32X. You could have a picture of the correct AC adaptor and the wire it needs to connect to the genesis. also you could mention the spacer that came with it initially.

This could be really useful on older consoles that use old types of connectors or tv switch boxes.

Just an idea, I may have the whole concept of the KB totally misinterpreted, heh.

Kepp up the good work.

Nope, you don't have the concept misinterpreted at all. That is actually a very cool idea that I think I might start working on.

Thanks! Meseta is for you!

Chris

[Joker T]

I do agree with the pictures idea though. Labels, Cords,etc. That would make the instruction process alot easier when you know exactly what you need to do.

For example I saw a guide on how to disassemble an N64. Very detailed and very well done, but it would be much easier if people knew what everything looked like.

[s1lence]

I think more pictures off the various repairs would be really helpful. That way people can get everything they need here. Example would be pictures of the SegaCD fuse replacement or the NES 72 pin connector replacement. Just my 2 cents

[Trebuken]

Maybe you could mention what sort of modifications can be made to a system. Video modifications (S-Video, Component, RGB, etc.), stereo modifications, etc.

Just a thought,
Later,
Trebuken

[DarkStraw]

i have some suggestions for the rareity guide

if one letter is wrong it wont find the game, even if you have the exact name but it has an extra space at the end it wont find the game, would be nice if it was more "flexible"

would be nice if the prices showed up on the main list of games, (so you wouldent have to click on the game title)
and it would be nice if you could sort by price.

also would like it if you could save settings.

[Kid Ice]

I haven't seen that in a while. Very impressive. Well done!

[Hams]

Like what 'MrRoboto19XX' suggested, maybe have basic sub-sections associated with each console/system.

If im looking to by a console or maybe researching an old one i allready have, it would be good to be able to look up and find out what region coverters (cartridge converters)are available for say PAL, US or Japanese systems. eg. a PAL SNES may have say 15 different types of converters available to play US & Japanese games. (maybe if people own certain branded converters they can submit info, model numbers, descriptions and functions) therefore making collecting that info easier. this would answer questions like were there ever region coverters for the Atari's or the coleco?

+ also something about modding consoles, maybe have links to reliable articles that explain clearly how to do it. I would like to flash my DS or GBA but im not prepared to give it a go until i find clear info on it. There seems to be so many different ways of doing it, different programs, flash writers ect. I understand it gets complex with each system, but eg. letting people know they can get there US Neo aes system chipped to play japanese games and unlock the censorship block. maybe just a simple link to say a respected Neo geo site or just listed on DP in the Neo section that it can be done.

sorry, just these 2 suggestions are massive jobs considering how many consoles, handhelds etc are out there. People submitting info could make it easier.

Keep up the good work.

[Schenley]

I volunteer to take pictures if needed. I'm pretty good at getting close ups of internals and small parts... Check out this thread (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=79616) for a quick picture I took yesterday.

I also have over 30 consoles and handhelds and most of them have already been opened up for cleaning, so I don't have a problem with getting pictures of internal stuff.

And, I have a 32x that was new in the box - so I can get some good shots of that if you want to start... Just let me know.

[Jibbajaba]

Like what 'MrRoboto19XX' suggested, maybe have basic sub-sections associated with each console/system.

If im looking to by a console or maybe researching an old one i allready have, it would be good to be able to look up and find out what region coverters (cartridge converters)are available for say PAL, US or Japanese systems. eg. a PAL SNES may have say 15 different types of converters available to play US & Japanese games. (maybe if people own certain branded converters they can submit info, model numbers, descriptions and functions) therefore making collecting that info easier. this would answer questions like were there ever region coverters for the Atari's or the coleco?

+ also something about modding consoles, maybe have links to reliable articles that explain clearly how to do it. I would like to flash my DS or GBA but im not prepared to give it a go until i find clear info on it. There seems to be so many different ways of doing it, different programs, flash writers ect. I understand it gets complex with each system, but eg. letting people know they can get there US Neo aes system chipped to play japanese games and unlock the censorship block. maybe just a simple link to say a respected Neo geo site or just listed on DP in the Neo section that it can be done.

sorry, just these 2 suggestions are massive jobs considering how many consoles, handhelds etc are out there. People submitting info could make it easier.

Keep up the good work.

We do have sub-sections for each system. And I agree with what you are saying. The problem is that it requires that someone actually step up and DO IT. As always, I am always "hiring" for the KB.

Chris

[Jibbajaba]

I volunteer to take pictures if needed. I'm pretty good at getting close ups of internals and small parts... Check out this thread (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=79616) for a quick picture I took yesterday.

I also have over 30 consoles and handhelds and most of them have already been opened up for cleaning, so I don't have a problem with getting pictures of internal stuff.

And, I have a 32x that was new in the box - so I can get some good shots of that if you want to start... Just let me know.

That would be absolutely awesome. I will PM you about this.

Anyone else who wants to help out doing stuff like this, I will make sure that you get paid some meseta, and more importantly you will get full credit in the articles for your work.

Chris

[Hams]

We do have sub-sections for each system. And I agree with what you are saying. The problem is that it requires that someone actually step up and DO IT. As always, I am always "hiring" for the KB.Chris

Hi Chris,
i dont have that much gaming tech knowlege or even a large collection but i have graphic design skills so if you need scanning, resizing of photos, photoshop work or anything designed (re-drawing of logos) i would be more than happy to oblige....Hams

[MrRoboto19XX]

Ive got a collection and a DigitalpressCamera (my that was a bad joke)

Ill help wherever needed, ask away.

[johno590]

I just picked up this job, and I don't know if I really have to do anything or not, but I saw this thread and read through it...

About the installing a new 72-pin connector for a NES, I could make a write-up and take pictures of everything you have to do. Or whatever else you guys need help with... I could try and help? Maybe? :)

[Jibbajaba]

I just picked up this job, and I don't know if I really have to do anything or not, but I saw this thread and read through it...

About the installing a new 72-pin connector for a NES, I could make a write-up and take pictures of everything you have to do. Or whatever else you guys need help with... I could try and help? Maybe? :)

Sure, that would be very helpful. Just PM me and I will give you an e-mail addy to send the write-up to.

Chris

[whoisKeel]

My roomate bought an N64 a few months ago and it doesn't get power. What to do?

My roomate bought another XBOX because of DRE. I'm sure that if I could fix it I could buy it really cheap from him :) I have seen some sites on cleaning/replacing the lens assembly. But nothing on this site.

I also agree on the more pictures idea.